Managing a number of drugs for seniors: A caregiver’s information

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT WE SHOULD RELOOK A SENIOR’S MEDICATIONS?

“Some red flags include recurrent falls, excessive drowsiness, new confusion or worsening memory, constipation, low blood sugar levels or frequent hospital admissions,” mentioned Thurga. “Families sometimes attribute these symptoms to ‘old age’ when medications may be contributing factors.”

Huang added {that a} change in blood stress and/or coronary heart fee might also be a sign. “One challenge is that (new) medication side effects can sometimes be mistaken for a new illness,” he mentioned. The caregiver might assume cognitive decline to be the trigger however the underlying downside might partly be treatment associated.

“This is why we should pay attention to when a symptom started and whether it coincided with a new medicine, a change in dosage, or the addition of another medication,” mentioned Huang. However, it will be prudent to have the state of affairs assessed by the physician or pharmacist – and never cease the treatment, he emphasised. 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE REASSESS A SENIOR’S MEDICATIONS?

“A full medication review should take place at least once a year for patients on multiple long-term medications, and more frequently after a hospitalisation or significant change in condition,” said Assoc Prof Chew. “Discharge from hospital is a particularly critical moment as new medications are sometimes added during a stay without older ones being reviewed or removed.”

Dr Tay mentioned that “there is no single review interval that suits everyone”. In diabetic sufferers, “we found that patients who received two reviews achieved better diabetes control compared with those who received just one review over six months”, she mentioned, citing a research by NHG Pharmacy. 

“While these findings are preliminary, they suggest that medication reviews need not be a once-off exercise,” mentioned Dr Tay. “For patients with complex medication regimens, two or more medication reviews a year may be a reasonable approach, particularly where there are ongoing issues with diabetes control or medication changes.”